We recently connected with Nadia Valavanis and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nadia , appreciate you sitting with us today. Maybe we can start with a topic that we care deeply about because it’s something we’ve found really sets folks apart and can make all the difference in whether someone reaches their goals. Self discipline seems to have an outsized impact on how someone’s life plays out and so we’d love to hear about how you developed yours?
My self-discipline comes from a combination of my upbringing and life experiences. Growing up in a family of eight in Greece taught me the importance of resilience and support.
My approach to self-discipline aligns closely with the key principles of personal development and mindfulness.
It stems from a structured routine and a focused approach to tasks. I prioritise challenging tasks, making incremental progress daily. Achieving my daily goals fuels my determination to continue. I focus on one thing at a time, execute without overthinking, and concentrate on what’s important.
Morning rituals are an essential part of my day. Upon waking, I prioritise self-love and kindness. When I wake up, my routine of reading, meditating, walking, working out, and having breakfast sets a powerful tone for my day. Quality time with my self + then the WORLD.
I use my phone intentionally, scheduling social media time and controlling notifications. In our society, where phones and social media can be addictive distractions, I strive to use technology in a way that enhances rather than detracts from my life and whats truly important.
My work in hat-making is driven by a passion for creativity and craftsmanship, not solely for financial gain. I value making unique pieces that resonate with those who appreciate artistry and exclusivity.
I love structure, but I also embrace the unknown, finding joy in working with ’empty canvases.’ I focus on what I can control, letting go of worries about external validation. My goal is not to be the ‘best’ artist/entrepreneur but to be a great human who creates art. I accept both success and loss as part of the journey, learning from each experience. I give myself time to understand my patterns, recognizing that I can’t please everyone. I see failure as a learning opportunity, and I understand that change is a constant, embracing growth and the belief that our perspective shapes our reality.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
BSVII My story :
I was born and raised in Greece, and at the age of 21, I made a life-changing move to Sydney, Australia. My journey in the arts began at an art school in Greece where I delved into dancing, acting, and art, later pursuing fashion design. The transition to Australia was challenging; I struggled with the language and cultural differences. Working in hospitality, often pulling double shifts, helped me rapidly assimilate into this new world.
In my free time, I started crafting clothes, and this interest eventually led me to explore manufacturing my designs in Bali, Indonesia, between the ages of 22 and 25. However, this period was filled with significant challenges. The most challenging was a motorbike accident that left me wheelchair-bound. After recovering and regaining my ability to walk properly, I returned to Bali, determined to finish what I started with my menswear line. Yet, the continuous challenges made me stop and rethink my strategy.
It was during this time of introspection that I, as a hat enthusiast, decided to experiment with making my own hat. This was purely a personal project, without any intention of selling. However, when I shared this achievement on social media, the response was unexpected. My Instagram friends showed immense interest in my hat creation, and that’s when the magic truly began.
This newfound interest in my hat designs marked the beginning of an exhilarating new phase in my career. I wholeheartedly embraced the art of hat making, pouring my creativity and personal experiences into each creation. My brand, BSVII (pronounced BS-Seven), quickly became known for its unique, personalized headwear, with each piece not just telling my story, but more importantly, the stories of my customers. These hats are more than just accessories; they are personal narratives brought to life through the craft of hat making.
Expanding my business during the COVID-19, moving from state to state, I realised the potential in offering a ‘ready-to-wear’ collection alongside custom pieces.. The creation of custom hats remains a deeply personal process for me, requiring my involvement at every stage. Through BSVII, I offer both custom pieces and a more affordable ready-to-wear collection, ensuring that my art remains accessible and personal. It’s a journey of continuous learning and growth, and I am excited to see where it takes me next.
In Sydney, where I run BSVII, I also began hosting “Hands-on Hat classes.” These gatherings are more than just workshops; they are a celebration of creativity and individuality, where hat lovers and creators come together to design their own BSVII hats in an environment filled with music, wine, and vibrant energy. I find immense joy and satisfaction in these classes, as they not only allow me to share my passion but also connect with others who love hats as much as I do.
Looking back, I see a journey marked by resilience, creativity, and an unwavering willingness to adapt and grow. From overcoming language barriers and cultural differences to navigating through the challenges of the accident, as well as embracing the joyful moments, every experience has profoundly influenced me. Each challenge, achievement, and moment of joy has played a crucial role in shaping both me as an individual and my brand. BSVII isn’t just a label; it’s a vivid reflection of my personal and professional journey, embodying the spirit of perseverance, innovation, and the profound joy of creating something truly unique and personal.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Living as an artist means embracing the process of creating what you love, focusing on progress rather than perfection. Every obstacle becomes a part of your journey, shaping your work and your proffesonal and personal growth.
It’s important to stay true to your unique voice, letting your personal perspective shine through in your work. Authenticity connects with people.
Prioritise yourself, your mindset, and spirit. You are the most important asset of all. Focus on small, consistent steps towards your goals. Success often lies in the details. This approach has shaped my brand, BSVII, and brought personal growth and joy in my craft.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always open to collaborations! If you’re interested in creating a hat or a hat collection together, let’s connect
Contact Info:
- Website: bsvii.com.au
- Instagram: @bs_vii
Image Credits
its a combination of photographers in there – but for the main profile shot is @lazyfairr Sulaiman “Sully” Enayatzada
